De Groote Vlakte, established on November 3, 1835, was originally a large farm that, over time, was divided into several smaller properties. These portions of land were eventually sold off, leaving the Botha family with a portion of the original land. One such portion, Swartrivier, remained in the family's hands until it nearly slipped away in 1930. At an estate auction following the death of the great-grandfather of the current owner, Andries Botha (AB) Rossouw, Swartrivier was at risk of being lost. AB's grandfather, who had little more than a horse and the clothes on his back, desired to purchase the land. With the help of his cousin, known as "Oom Hendrik Rooibul," who provided a loan, the farm remained within the family.

Since 1984, AB has been cultivating wine grapes on Swartrivier, continuing the family's legacy as the sixth generation on the farm. Born in Stellenbosch, AB Rossouw came from a lineage deeply rooted in viticulture. His father, the managing winemaker at Eersterivier cellar, tragically passed away in a car accident on May 16, 1970, along with AB's mother. Following this loss, AB and his brother and sister, moved in with their grandparents. His grandfather owned Die Eike farm in Goudini, which he later divided between his son and daughter. AB’s mother inherited a part known as Swartrivier, though she did not farm it herself, AB’s uncle managed the land.

AB completed his schooling at Oakdale Agricultural School in Riversdale in 1976 and fulfilled his national service in the Air Force. He later earned a diploma in viticulture and animal husbandry from Elsenburg. In 1981, AB began working as a foreman on Swartrivier and assumed complete control of the farm on April 1, 1984, after marrying Antionette Calitz the previous day. He immediately began developing vineyards on the farm, giving his labourers a week off to go on honeymoon as their first task.

AB's passion for winemaking deepened in 2012 when he first tasted Durif wine. Captivated by the grape, he planted 100 vines in 2013 with encouragement from the Badsberg cellar master. The following year, AB harvested 110kg of grapes, producing 60 liters of wine. This experiment marked the beginning of his journey in crafting exceptional wines.